Top 3 tips for saving money while backpacking around Japan

五　Number Three

JAPAN RAIL PASS - These little babies appear to be quite expensive at first glance but are great value if you plan to see a lot of Japan. The only reason I wouldn't recommend one would be if your only planing to spend a week around one of the major cities. The rail pass WILL NOT save you money in this case and you would probably be better off investing in a PASMO card or buying a Tokyo Free Kippu. The Tokyo free Kippu will get you unlimited use of the train system in Tokyo for 24 hours for about $16 AUD. Another advantage of these tickets is that you won't have to navigate a Japanese ticket machine, which can be a little confusing to the uninitiated.

二　Number Two

SLEEP AT AN ONSEN - Spa world in Shin-Sekai (accessed from Tennoji station exit 5) is like a theme park for onsen lovers.You can store your bags in the lockers provided, get a bite to eat, shower, shave, use the little boy's room and experience some communal bathing in hot tubs of varying degrees, before relaxing in provided pajamas (see picture) on a lounge for a rather comfortable snooze. No one says anything because Japanese people sleep everywhere. It's open 24 hours but I do note that Shin-Sekai has a really bad name in Guide Books for being a dangerous place. It's not, well no more dangerous than George street in Sydney anyway.

一　Number one

EAT RAMEN - It's cheap (anywhere between $6 to $10 AUD), it fills you up, and most importantly it's very yummy! You can eat it for breakfast and most orders are done by handing a ticket that you buy from a vending machine with pictures on it to the chef. The pictures mean no translation is necessary. Dinner without the embarrassment.